Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society - current issue

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2008-07-03

Editorial Statement

2008-07-03

Innovation, networks and knowledge exchange

Christopherson, S., Kitson, M., Michie, J. — 2008-07-03

The spatial dimension of knowledge flows: a simulation approach

Canals, A., Boisot, M., MacMillan, I. — 2008-07-03

Drawing on a conceptual framework, the Information Space or I-Space, and using agent-based simulation, our paper offers a theoretical exploration of the spatial dimensions of knowledge management. By modelling two well-known cases of high-tech industrial clusters, Silicon Valley and Boston Route 128, we look at the interrelationship between knowledge management strategies adopted by firms and the latter's choice of spatial location, as well as how it is affected by the evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs). We find that knowledge structuring and spatial agglomeration co-evolve and that such co-evolution is significantly altered by the development of ICTs.

Dynamic models of regional innovation: explorations with British time-series data

Driver, C., Oughton, C. — 2008-07-03

In this paper, we analyse a new dataset on innovation in the British regions from 1990 to 2006. We interpret these data as representing the rate of growth of investment in innovation which we analyse using a range of estimators. The paper explores the role of macro- and microeconomic determinants of innovation. In addition to standard determinants that help to explain the decline in innovation from the late 1990s, our findings also support the hypothesis of path dependence in innovation and the importance of human capital. These findings are consistent with the literature on absorptive capacity and suggest a role for regional policies to promote investment in innovation and training as well as appropriate macroeconomic policies.

Models for university technology transfer: resolving conflicts between mission and methods and the dependency on geographic location

Warren, A., Hanke, R., Trotzer, D. — 2008-07-03

The conversion of university research into economic growth is vital for the future of many nations. In order to improve the efficiency of this transfer, we have looked at the effectiveness of technology transfer activity in the USA. Our research indicates that universities that are not located in a region with a supportive innovation system should modify their mission and methods for technology transfer. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the authors develop an overview of the problem and recommend three new strategies for effective technology transfer including the application of regional dynamic knowledge networks.

The contribution of universities to innovation and economic development: in what sense a regional problem?

Power, D., Malmberg, A. — 2008-07-03

To explore the contradictions and problems apparent in contemporary policy towards universities, this article reviews two parallel but related debates: the debate about competitive and prosperous regions and the debate about excellent institutions of research and higher education. It questions whether it is necessary, or always healthy, to conflate the processes behind excellence in regional innovation and economic development with excellence in university research, education and collaboration. In other words, while we agree that universities contribute to innovation, it is less clear how they contribute to regional innovation and still less clear how they contribute to regional innovation systems.

Engineering networks: university-industry networks in Southern Ontario automotive industry clusters

Rutherford, T., Holmes, J. — 2008-07-03

In this paper we examine relationships between university engineering programmes at the Universities of Waterloo and Windsor and the automobile industry in Southern Ontario which reflect TNC strategies and state innovation policies which place greater emphasis on universities developing networks with automotive manufacturers. We argue firstly that there are tensions within the academy as university based researcher becomes more applied and as issues of intellectual property (IP) rights ownership arise. Secondly knowledge flows are principally directed towards OEM global pipelines and to a much less extent to the regional clusters of small and medium sized (SME) producers. We conclude by considering the implications of intensifying networks between universities and OEMs in Southern Ontario on innovation and cluster policy.

Constructing entrepreneurial advantage: consensus building, technological uncertainty and emerging industries

Lowe, N., Feldman, M. — 2008-07-03

In 1976, Cambridge, MA, and Berkeley, CA, responded to concerns about the environmental effects of recombinant DNA by adopting identical biosafety ordinances. This paper explores the mediating factors that explain how scientists and entrepreneurs came to view these regulatory interventions in diametrically distinct ways. We argue that although the regulations were the same, the process behind their adoption and implementation and, in particular, differences in citizen engagement and technology education account for these divergent outcomes. The paper suggests ways that contemporary regulatory responses can result in a constructive (rather than combative) approach to entrepreneurial accountability and thus contribute to constructed jurisdictional advantage.

Triple Helix in the periphery: the case of Multipolis in Northern Finland

Jauhiainen, J. S., Suorsa, K. — 2008-07-03

Peripheral areas are rarely considered as having an active role within the field of high technology. This article studies the public sector initiative Multipolis, which fosters high-technology development based on the Triple Helix co-operation in the peripheral Northern Finland. The article analyses how high-technology enterprises in Northern Finland collaborate with higher education and research institutes to achieve product innovations, and how Multipolis is managed as an innovation network. The research material comprises regional and innovation policy documents and statistics, a survey among high-technology enterprises, Multipolis project reports and thematic interviews. The Multipolis network generally follows national innovation and regional policies. The simultaneous implementation of these policies is, however, challenging.

Oxfordshire biomedical university spin-offs: an evolving system

Smith, H. L., Romeo, S., Bagchi-Sen, S. — 2008-07-03

The creation of university spin-offs and the development of its biotechnology industry are two of the UK's and many other countries' top research-to-commercialisation priorities. Usually more is known about the numbers of spin-offs than their performance. This paper analyses the performance of 56 biomedical spin-offs from Oxfordshire's universities and public sector research laboratories with respect to human resources, the degree of innovative capability and internationalisation. In so doing, it explores the contribution of this group of firms to the evolution of science-based industry in this particular location which is one of the UK's leading centres of research and innovation.

Universities, knowledge networks and regional policy

Huggins, R., Johnston, A., Steffenson, R. — 2008-07-03

This paper critically reviews the structure and function of regional knowledge networks and modes of engagement between universities and the business community. It is argued that while networks between universities and the business community are growing, it is often difficult to ascribe improved regional competitiveness to developments in knowledge-based infrastructure. It is also argued that the engagement between universities and the business community must be based on an understanding of the role of both network and market-based knowledge interactions. It is concluded that the onus placed on universities to become bases of commercializable knowledge in many regions is probably too heavy.